Jacqueline Ann Shepard

Jacqueline Ann Shepard, 77, passed away in her home in Eden Prairie on February 10, 2025.

Born in Cumberland, WI and raised on a farm outside of town, Jackie graduated from Cumberland High School Class of 1965. Upon graduation, she moved to Minneapolis where she met the one love of her life, Dale. They were married in 1968 and, after living in Iowa City for Dale's studies, moved back to Minnesota where she planted the deepest of roots.

While raising her sons, Jackie began a multi-decade career as a law office manager and maintained a packed volunteering schedule with church and her children's schools. Running tight ships enabled her to be seemingly everywhere at once while sharing her skills and compassion with many.

As empty nesters, Dale and she moved to Northern California where she discovered a fascination with wine. Her explorations of Napa, Sonoma, and vicinity fostered a love that she brought back with her to Minnesota when they returned a few years later. She was always ready to uncork a bottle for visitors to trade toasts and stories.

When Dale was diagnosed with brain cancer, Jackie dedicated herself to his care. Her faith, her friends, and her superhuman organizational skills all served as ballasts through her most difficult chapter.

Jackie brightened the lives of those around her with her warmth, humor, and style. A devoted "Grammie" and lifelong friend, Jackie was also very active in her congregation at Prairie Lutheran.

She is survived by sons Blake (Sonja) and Andrew; brother Dan (Sharon) Johnson; sister Kay Christensen; and two grandchildren. Preceded in death by husband Dale Dana Shepard, father Sherman Johnson, and mother Naomi Heinecke Johnson.

A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, March 3 at Prairie Lutheran in Eden Prairie with visitation beginning one hour prior. Donations in her memory can be made to Second Harvest Heartland (www.2harvest.org).